Shepherds Bottom Plantation

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

Shepherds Bottom Plantation

North Road, Ashmore Down
North Road, Ashmore Down Credit: Richard Webb

Shepherds Bottom Plantation, located in Dorset, England, is a picturesque woodland area renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. The plantation is situated in the heart of the county, nestled within a vast forested landscape.

Covering an area of approximately 200 acres, Shepherds Bottom Plantation is characterized by its dense and diverse collection of trees, including oak, beech, and birch. These towering specimens create a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The plantation has a rich history dating back several centuries. Originally owned by a local shepherd, it was transformed into a plantation in the early 19th century to meet the growing demand for timber in the region. The site still retains remnants of its past, with old stone walls and ruins of former farm buildings adding to its rustic charm.

Wildlife thrives within the boundaries of Shepherds Bottom Plantation, with numerous species of birds, mammals, and insects calling it home. Visitors may spot deer, foxes, and various bird species as they explore the woodland trails.

The plantation is open to the public year-round, and its well-maintained paths and trails offer opportunities for leisurely walks, jogging, and cycling. The scenic beauty of Shepherds Bottom Plantation, coupled with its rich history and abundant wildlife, make it a true gem within Dorset's natural landscape.

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Shepherds Bottom Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.960082/-2.139259 or Grid Reference ST9017. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

North Road, Ashmore Down
North Road, Ashmore Down
Stubble, Ashmore Down
Stubble, Ashmore Down
Dip slope, Ashmore Farmland off North Road.
Dip slope, Ashmore
Farmland off North Road.
Former telephone box, Ashmore Now carrying a defibrillator.
Former telephone box, Ashmore
Now carrying a defibrillator.
Pond, Ashmore It can be a lot bigger.
Pond, Ashmore
It can be a lot bigger.
Fair Organ, Ashmore Felt fitting here.
Fair Organ, Ashmore
Felt fitting here.
Ancient Aquifer A bench on Ashmore's green over looking the pond.
Ancient Aquifer
A bench on Ashmore's green over looking the pond.
Milk and coffee Vending machine and source of water in Ashmore. Very welcome.
Milk and coffee
Vending machine and source of water in Ashmore. Very welcome.
Water source, Ashmore At the shed selling coffee. A very handy find as I was carrying a lot of water from Salisbury. Always a headache in chalk country.
Water source, Ashmore
At the shed selling coffee. A very handy find as I was carrying a lot of water from Salisbury. Always a headache in chalk country.
Farm track, Ashmore
Farm track, Ashmore
Farm track, Ashmore Arable land on a chalk dip slope.
Farm track, Ashmore
Arable land on a chalk dip slope.
Halfpenny Lane A very enjoyable chalk track under a big sky.
Halfpenny Lane
A very enjoyable chalk track under a big sky.
Stubble off Halfpenny Lane
Stubble off Halfpenny Lane
Dorset path sign After the plain, and often absent Wiltshire signage, the flamboyant Dorset ones were quite a surprise.  Dorset suffers less from the horrible ableist English path restrictions than most places and is a great place to visit if you cannot backpack on foot anymore. There is always a feeling of having saved yourself a ferry fare, and the beer's better than further south.
Dorset path sign
After the plain, and often absent Wiltshire signage, the flamboyant Dorset ones were quite a surprise. Dorset suffers less from the horrible ableist English path restrictions than most places and is a great place to visit if you cannot backpack on foot anymore. There is always a feeling of having saved yourself a ferry fare, and the beer's better than further south.
Halfpenny Lane, south of Ashmore
Halfpenny Lane, south of Ashmore
Farm road near Ashmore Leads into a forest off Halfpenny Lane.
Farm road near Ashmore
Leads into a forest off Halfpenny Lane.
Road into Stony Bottom A chalk woodland track.
Road into Stony Bottom
A chalk woodland track.
Road, Stony Bottom What they call gravel riding now. I prefer bigger tyres than those currently fashionble - not all tracks are as kind as this and narrower tyres cut up the ground which helps promote restrictions.  However there is a serpent or two in this Eden, one of which are the small flints that shred inner tubes. Many ride tubeless now. I got all the way unscathed!
Road, Stony Bottom
What they call gravel riding now. I prefer bigger tyres than those currently fashionble - not all tracks are as kind as this and narrower tyres cut up the ground which helps promote restrictions. However there is a serpent or two in this Eden, one of which are the small flints that shred inner tubes. Many ride tubeless now. I got all the way unscathed!
Show me another place!

Shepherds Bottom Plantation is located at Grid Ref: ST9017 (Lat: 50.960082, Lng: -2.139259)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset

What 3 Words

///tutorial.arriving.fallback. Near Shaftesbury, Dorset

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.960082,-2.139259
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.9640101/-2.1373209
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.9633344/-2.1373424
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.9627212/-2.136822
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.9621113/-2.1363232
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.9623478/-2.1351028
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.9625472/-2.133885
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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